grammar
L'usage de l'infinitif: Chaining verbs together.
When you use two verbs back-to-back in French, the second verb is almost always in the infinitive (its unconjugated form). The tricky part is knowing whether you need a preposition to connect them. Some verbs require the preposition de, while others connect directly to the infinitive with no bridge at all.
Verbs Followed by « de » + Infinitif
Many common verbs and expressions, especially those related to decisions, completions, or specific feelings, must be followed by de (or d' before a vowel) before you can add the next action.
- décider de : to decide to ("Il a décidé de partir.")
- finir de : to finish doing ("J'ai fini de manger.")
- avoir envie de : to want to / to feel like ("Nous avons envie de voyager.")
- avoir horreur de : to hate to / to loathe ("Elle a horreur d'attendre.")
- avoir besoin de : to need to ("Tu as besoin de dormir.")
Verbs With NO Preposition (Sans préposition)
A specific group of verbs connects directly to the following infinitive. This is universally true for verbs expressing tastes and preferences.
These verbs attach straight to the infinitive:
- préférer : to prefer ("Je préfère rester ici.")
- aimer : to like / to love ("Il aime lire le soir.")
- détester : to hate ("Nous détestons conduire.")
- adorer : to adore / love ("Elles adorent danser.")
If you are expressing an opinion about an activity (love it, hate it, prefer it), you never use "de". Just link the verb of preference directly to the action!
Exemple : J'adore chanter. (I love to sing.)